Adding a protective coating to your rooftop is an excellent way to prevent long-term damage. However, this extra layer may not be as effective if you ignore roof surface preparation before applying it. This begs the question: How do you prep a roof for coating?
At Engel Coatings Inc., we offer flat roof coatings for New Mexico homes and businesses. Our experts utilize the highest-quality products to combat the region’s harsh climate and keep your structure safe. Check out the steps that we always follow in preparation for this project.
Before diving into the preparation process, it’s important to first understand roof coatings. What are they, and is it worth investing in one?
High-quality coatings don’t eliminate the need for roof maintenance, nor do they repair existing roof damage. They do, however, offer another layer of protection against the elements.
In the Southwestern U.S., high heat and abundant sunlight can wreak havoc on roofing systems. You can opt for a custom coating with superior UV resistance to prevent fading and other forms of damage. Another coating may better suit a property in an area prone to wet conditions and ponding water.
Experts can apply custom coatings to several types of roofing materials, including:
No matter which variety of coating you end up with, you can have peace of mind knowing that your structure will resist the elements more effectively. Your roofing system can have a longer lifespan, and you’ll minimize future repairs as part of the benefits a custom coating provides.
How do you prep a roof for coating? Any expert will tell you that you can’t jump into this project without completing a few preliminary steps. Adequate preparation is key to getting the most out of your investment.
Below are the steps you can’t skip before applying silicone, elastomeric, acrylic, and other roof coatings. Make sure your contractor goes through each of these tasks in the lead-up to applying the coating. If they don’t, the material may not adhere properly and fail to protect your roof from damage.
You wouldn’t expect a doctor to treat your illness without first examining your symptoms. Why should you make any changes to your roof without evaluating it first? Depending on the structure’s condition, experts may need to prolong their preparation phase.
It all starts with a visual inspection. This allows contractors to detect some obvious issues with the structure, such as:
Depending on their findings, contractors might have to dig further to look for moisture damage. They may either cut out samples of the structure or perform a moisture survey to identify hidden water damage beneath the surface.
If you ask an expert, “How do you prep a roof for coatings?” they’ll tell you that an adhesion test is crucial. There’s no way of knowing how well the material will stick to the roof’s substrate unless you test a small piece of it.
To conduct this test, professionals clean a small patch of the roof and apply the coating. Pieces of fabric will serve as pull tabs for the test, which allow experts to try to remove the coating once it cures. If the material stays put, it passes the test, while a coating that lifts when pulled is considered a failed test.
A preliminary test allows experts to determine how much preparation the surface requires so that the material adheres to it. If the crew skips this step, they could waste time and money applying a coating that proves to be ineffective. Protect your investment by inquiring about their adhesion testing process.
Putting a coating over a leaky or structurally unstable roof won’t repair the existing problems. If your roof currently has leaks, damp substrates, loose flashings, or other types of damage, prioritize repairs.
The surface must be structurally sound and without any water damage. Depending on your roof’s condition, experts may need to delay the coating by several days while they take care of repairs. This is absolutely essential before they continue with the remaining steps.
How do you prep a roof for coating? Part of it involves assessing the structure to find the right materials. You don’t want to invest in a coating that doesn’t adequately protect your roof’s surface.
Narrow down your options with the help of qualified experts. They can review different materials and recommend ones based on the following criteria:
Think about the long-term effects of your decision. While a more expensive material might hurt your budget up front, it could offer long-lasting protection and ultimately save you money on various repairs.
Since your roof is completely exposed to the elements, it can accumulate plenty of dirt and debris. Preparing for a roofing coating requires a thorough power washing to remove all of the built-up dirt and grime, such as:
Imagine applying paint to a contaminated surface. The liquid may not adhere as well as it could if you started with a clean slate.
Before crews can begin putting down primer and roof coatings, they must prepare the surface accordingly. Highly pressurized water can blast away both loose dirt and hard-to-remove grime. In some cases, experts may use a soft-bristle brush to penetrate heavy buildup before rinsing it away with power washing equipment.
Roof coatings resemble paint. If you’re painting an interior or exterior surface, you typically start with a primer application to help it adhere to the wall. So, how do you prep a roof for coating?
Just like a standard painting project, the roof coating process always requires primer. This protective material hides any rust along metal roofing systems and prevents new rust formation. If you have an asphalt roofing system, primer prevents the coating from bleeding through the material.
Primer plays a key role in making a roof coating last. But it’s not the only component. Experts should also apply a sealant, especially near fasteners and seams.
A high-quality sealant helps waterproof the structure. Even the slightest bit of moisture intrusion can affect a roof’s structural integrity. Adding a sealant to vulnerable areas offers additional protection against water damage.
With the roof fully prepped, it’s now time to apply the coating either with rollers or sprayers. Experts complete this final step in multiple phases:
The ideal coating thickness may vary based on the roof’s age and condition, as well as the type of material used. For instance, a 15-year-old commercial roof with a history of damage may require more layers of coating than a two-year-old residential roof in excellent condition.
Ask your contractor what they recommend for your structure. Bear in mind that the more coats you need, the more labor is required. This could ultimately impact the total cost of the project.
Now that you know the answer to “How do you prep a roof for coating?” you might be wondering whether the drawn-out process is really necessary. Simply put, yes, you must be thorough and follow all precautionary steps before applying a coating over your roofing system.
Doing so allows you to reap the following benefits:
Don’t miss out on these incredible benefits. Begin researching roof coating projects and make sure you follow the tips above for preparing the surface.
Property owners often have many questions regarding this type of project, including “How do you prep a roof for coating?” and “Can you perform DIY roof coatings?” If you’re considering tackling this project yourself, think again. It’s always best to leave any roof work to the professionals.
Experts have ample experience applying roof coatings. They often work with a wide range of materials and can recommend an option that’s perfect for your structure based on its condition and your budget. Amateurs lack and training to handle each coating and may end up with one that doesn’t meet their needs.
Safety is another key reason to enlist a professional contractor. Working on a roof can have dire consequences if you don’t take the proper precautions.
Licensed crews come with all of the necessary gear to complete the job safely. Experts usually carry insurance as well to protect property owners from any liability should an accident occur.
Finally, hiring a professional roof coating company guarantees your desired results. Specialists don’t cut corners when preparing the surface. Their dedicated approach ensures long-lasting protection for your home or business.
Are you ready to invest in this project, but don’t know where to begin? Finding the right contractor doesn’t have to be difficult. Look for local companies that specialize in roof coatings and offer the following:
After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “How do you prep a roof for coating?” If you’re looking for the best roof coating for your New Mexico home, you can trust Engel Coatings Inc. Our experts proudly serve Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Deming, and the surrounding areas.
We offer silicone, elastomeric, and hybrid roof coating systems for maximum protection and longevity. We’ll shield your rooftop from the elements and recommend personalized solutions to meet your exact needs.
Turn to our contractors when your roof could use a strong coating to prevent damage. Submit our online form or give us a call at (575) 642-5481 to request a free estimate today.
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